SAM Parry admits it will be a hard job to replace Richard Hibbard at the Ospreys but has pledged to give it a good crack.

The 22-year-old hooker has headed west after three seasons and 54 appearances with Newport Gwent Dragons.

Uncapped Parry, who has twice been called up to train with Wales, is among a batch of front row forwards hoping to fill the sizeable void left by Lions ace Hibbard's departure for Gloucester.

South Africa tourist Scott Baldwin is set to start the campaign as first choice but Parry, Wales Under-20s prospect Scott Otten and Matthew Dwyer will all be eyeing the number 2 jersey.

"Richard was awesome for the Ospreys, so the goal will be to try to emulate what he's done. It's about being aggressive with ball in hand and working hard," said Parry.

"I just like carrying the ball and being a nuisance in the contact area, defending and trying to get as many turnovers as I can.

"Of course it will be hard for us to replace Richard. He's a Lions hooker who has done a huge amount in the game. But there are still some good hookers here.

"I'd say I'm at the bottom of the pile at the minute, so it will be up to me to work hard in pre-season and then carry that into the campaign itself. Initially it will be about trying to be involved in the squad."

Parry, who is from Haverfordwest, joined the Dragons from the Scarlets Academy in 2011 and was progressing nicely at the region.

However, he has decided to head back to west Wales and hopes that working with some seasoned internationals can push him to the next level.

"I'm still learning the game and I'm hoping my move to the Ospreys will help on that front," he said. "I need to develop my leadership and take charge of situations.

"That said, it will be good to play alongside experienced players such as Duncan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones, watch what they do and learn from them. If you can't learn off those guys you won't learn off anyone."